Indian Tribes of the Upper Missouri: Edited with Notes and Biographical SketchDenig, Edwin Thompson
History
Indian Tribes of the Upper Missouri: Edited with Notes and Biographical Sketch
Denig, Edwin Thompson
Assiniboine Indians; Indians of North America -- Missouri River Valley
Although the computation could thus be carried on to a million yet the
Indian would not appreciate the number. We think that after 5,000, or
at the utmost 10,000, their ideas fail them; that is, they can not
realize in thought more than that amount, yet are able mechanically
to count it. This is evident, as they have no distinct name for a
million, but are obliged to call it ten hundred thousand, and were
they requested to go further would proceed eleven, twelve, thirteen
hundred thousand, etc., but not comprehending the great number as a
body. They can not multiply or subtract uneven sums without the aid of
small sticks or some other mark. Thus to add 40 to 60 would be done
by the fingers, shutting down one for each succeeding ten, naming 70,
80, 90, 100. But to add 37 to 94 would require some time; most Indians
would count 37 small sticks and beginning with 94, lay one down for
each succeeding number, naming the same until all were counted. Now
tell them to add 76 to 47 and subtract 28. In addition to the first
process, and counting the whole number of sticks, he would withdraw 28
and recount the remainder. They are easily confused when counting and
consider the knowledge of figures one of the most astonishing things
the whites do.
In counting with the hand, an Indian invariably begins with the little
finger of the left, shutting it down forcibly with the thumb of the
right; when the five fingers are thus shut he commences on the thumb of
the right, shutting it with the left fist. When wishing to telegraph
by signs a certain number less than 10 he holds up that number of
fingers, beginning with the little finger of the left hand and keeping
the others shut. Should the number be 7, then all the fingers of the
left and thumb and finger of the right would be extended, holding up
his hands, the rest of the fingers closed. Tens are counted by shutting
and opening both hands; thus, 100 would be indicated by shutting and
opening both hands 10 times in succession. The number 7 has two names,
shakkowee and enshand (the odd number). They count fast enough in
continuation from 1 to 100 but must not be interrupted.
COIN.—There is not now nor have we any reason to suppose there ever
has been among them any coin, shells, wampum, or any other thing
constituting a standard of exchange, neither are they acquainted with
American money. Were a guinea and a button presented there is no
question but the Indian would take the latter. They barter their furs
for goods which have fixed prices, and are well acquainted with these
prices, as also of the value of their robes and furs as a means of
purchasing merchandise.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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